Short Notices [pp. 567-576]

Short Notices.
should feel some solicitude as to the effect of this clear revelation of his character, as seen at the fire-side. We think
such fears are altogether unfounded. It is only a small
part of the man which is seen in public; and still less can
be exhibited in history. It is at home, among his friend(s,
that the man is known; and in his familiar letters he is
most faithfully portrayed. De Wette's collection of Luther's
Letters, in five volumes, is worth manifold more than all the
biographies of the Reformner, and all the histories of the Reformation, to give us a real knowledge of the man. He nowhere
appears so great, so amiable, so disinterested and genial. It
would be an unreasonable objection, that these letters are often
on trivial subjects; sometimes thanks to the Elector for a
present of game, or a petition for a new gown; or, as more
frequently happens, intercessions for some poor widow or
necessitous student. It is precisely these little things which
let us into the real character of the man. In the letters before
us, there are many which have no higher value in themselves
than these begging letters of Luther, but they are nevertheless
parts of the many-sided mirror which reflect the image of the
writer, now at one angle and now at another. The collection
extending over so long a period, constitutes not only a history
of his inner life, but a history of his times, as viewed from his
position. There is scarcely an imnport(ant event in church or
state, scarcely a noticeable production of the press, which is
not the subject of remark. His pure English diction, his scholarly attainments, his zeal for truth and religion, his sound
judgment and warm feelings, as here manifested, give not only
an exalted opinion of the writer, but add a lasting value to this
publication as a record of personal, ecclesiastical, and literary
history. We doubt not that these volumes will be more and
more highly estimated, the farther the flow of time removes the
author and his age from the view of the reader.
The Epistle to the Romans, in Greek and English; with an Analysis and
Exegetical Commentary. By Samuel H. Turner, D. D., Professor in the
Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Revised and
Corrected. New York: Anson D. F. Randolph, 683 Broadway. 1859.
The Fpistle to the Hebrews, in Greek and English, with an Analysis and
Exegetical Commentary. By Samuel H. Turner, D. D., &c. New
York: Anson D. F. Randolph. 1859.
These handsomely printed volumes are revised editions of
works already extensively and favourably known. The learned
and venerable author has exhibited everywhere the evidence of
mature scholarship, judgment, and moderation.
1860.]
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